Vows: Forever I Do
‘Important encounters are planned by souls long before the bodies see each other’ — Paulo Coelho…
I do believe, our important encounter of meeting at M7’s annual beach chic event, Marbana, April 5, 2015 at Frenchman’s Cove in Portland, was planned by our souls long before our bodies met —Cortia Bingham, CEO, We Inspire.Our Initial Encounter…
I do believe, our important encounter of meeting at M7’s annual beach chic event, Marbana, April 5, 2015 at Frenchman’s Cove in Portland, was planned by our souls long before our bodies met —
Cortia Bingham, CEO, We Inspire.
Our Initial Encounter…
Caray McKenzie was a former college mate, as we both went to Northern Caribbean University (NCU) in 2003; however, we never connected in any special way. He now reveals that he has always been an avid admirer, watching from the sidelines during our college years.
Fast-track to 2015 at Marbana, Caray made his move during the event, but was deterred by my focus on executing the event, as at the time, my role was Sponsorship & PR Consultant for M7 Events. The day after the event Caray caught my interest, as he opted to divert from his original journey home to Montego Bay and asked me out on our first date, which was to eat sushi at East Japanese followed by a movie at Palace Cineplex. I accepted.
He continued to come to Kingston to visit, for the next two months religiously, and would stay each week at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. Not only was he making an effort, but we had a lot in common — for example, eating out at fancy restaurants, watching movies and adventure-seeking. We were a perfect match! The fact that he doted on me and always went above and beyond to make me happy was the additional icing on the cake.
The Proposal…
On May 29, 2015, Caray invited me to Montego Bay for a weekend at the Hyatt Ziva. It was a fabulous weekend which would culminate on Sunday, with him going down on bended knee to propose. His exact words were: “Cortia, I am ready to commit to you, and I want you to be my woman.” I melted several times inside my head, but I kept a very composed and calm countenance, as I needed to maintain my ‘hot girl’ image… lol. By September 21, 2015, we were officially engaged and ready to get hitched!
Here Comes The Bride…
On Sunday July 17, 2016, Cortia’s fairytale and dream of marrying her perfect man came true when she said ‘I do’ to Caray Dumaine McKenzie, director of information technology at Global Gateway Solutions in the presence of close family and friends. The ceremony, which took place at The Andrews Seventh-Day Adventist Church, was officiated by Pastor Leonard Steele.
The intimate affair continued over brunch at Strawberry Hill Hotel.
The newly-weds are planning further celebrations and their honeymoon.